Can students properly judge teachers’ performance?

Students evaluating teachers is a silly exercise. No doubt, Peter A. Huidekoper Jr., who fancies himself as an education consultant, knows it. Kids are not competent to make judgments about important life issues until they’re in their 20s, when their brains are fully developed. Before that, peers and hormones undermine good judgment.

Here’s a hypothetical but entirely realistic conversation between two college students, both in their 20s, who went through K-12 together:

Emma: “Caleb, who was your least favorite teacher?”

Caleb: “Mr. Hui …”

Emma: “You mean Mr. H?”

Caleb: “Yes, he was demanding and gave us homework. I hated him.”

Emma: “So, is he still your least favorite?”

Caleb: “No, I think he was great. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be in college.”

Thank teachers who focus on success, not popularity.

Walt Heidenfelder, Denver

This letter was published in the May 22 edition.

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